Description
Montagna di Marzo is located in the territory of the Rocca Di Cerere Geopark U.N.E.S.C.O. not far from the centers of Piazza Armerina and Barrafranca. An imposing hill that overlooks the inland countryside and the valley of the Olivo stream which flows into the artificial lake of the same name. The mountain, in addition to being a point of notable landscape value, due to its predominant position, has also proven to be a site of great historical and archaeological interest. On its summit, as on the reliefs and in the surrounding districts, the signs of human presence are numerous and attest to the presence of man since at least the Bronze Age.
In particular, Montagna di Marzo hosted a large and important Sicilian centre, later Hellenised, which survived until the Roman and Byzantine periods. The excavations that began in the 1960s brought to light the remains of structures such as fortifications, sacred areas and even the remains of a Roman theatre, which highlight the great importance that this center had in the past. Unfortunately over the years the site has been plundered of many of its extraordinary riches, but finds of great value have nevertheless emerged from its necropolises.
Even today it is certainly not the ancient name of this city, even if rather recent discoveries have concretely suggested its identification with the ancient Erbesso.
Once the visit to the site is over, we will descend towards the valley of the Olivo torrent, to return to the starting point along the banks of the lake. Here we will find the remains of ancient water mills which are unfortunately now reduced to ruins, which however seem to want to narrate the close and ancient link that still exists between central Sicily and cereal cultivation.
This last stretch will also be very interesting from a naturalistic point of view; in fact, walking among tamarisks and other species typical of the riparian environments of the hinterland, with a bit of luck and proceeding in respectful silence, sightings of gray herons, egrets and other avifauna species linked to humid environments cannot be ruled out.
Information:
- Circular route, 32 km long
- Difference in altitude+/- 586m.
- Difficulty E (medium).
- The route alternates stretches on asphalt and stretches on dirt roads and paths.
- Necessary equipment: trekking shoes, wind jacket, k-way or rain cape, 2 liters of drinking water. per person, hat, sunscreen, packed lunch.
Experiences:
Departure/arrival from Villa Gerace (possibility of breakfast/aperitif/lunch with company products and relaxation in the pool)
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